Tianhuashan Mountain in Xiangyun County, Dali
Overview
Tianhuashan Mountain (天华山, Tiānhuá Shān), also known as Nanhua Mountain (南华山, Nánhua Shān), is historically referred to as “Nanhua Shengji.” It is located in Zongpeng Village, Majie Township, Xiangyun County (祥云县, Xiángyún Xiàn), Dali (大理, Dàlǐ), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). The driving distance from the county seat to the scenic area is approximately 25 kilometers.
One of its most distinctive features is the “Hanging Stone Dragon” (石龙倒挂, Shílóng Dàoguà), which consists of two stalactites resembling stone dragons that hang from a sheer cliff.
- Chinese Name: 天华山
- English Name: Tianhuashan Mountain
- Location: Dali, Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province
- Climate: Temperate monsoon climate
- Opening Hours: Open all day
- Attraction Level: AAAA-level
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Area: Approximately 83 km²
- Famous Attraction: 石龙倒挂 (Hanging Stone Dragon)
Historical Background
Xiangyun was originally named Yunnan and was renamed in 1918. The county is located in the central-west part of Yunnan Province, on the eastern edge of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, home to various ethnic groups including Han, Bai, Yi, Lisu, Miao, and Hui.
Tianhuashan, historically known as “Nanhua Shengji,” is situated approximately 50 li (about 25 kilometers) south of the city, featuring steep cliffs and two prominent peaks. The site has notable features like the Hanging Stone Dragon, ancient caves, and stone towers. Historical texts document that Li Su (李素), a Ming dynasty official, lived here and authored the “Nanya Zouyi Chūnqiū Xinjue” (《南华奏议春秋心诀》).
Xiangyun is located 300 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng), and 40 kilometers from Dali City (大理市, Dàlǐ Shì).
Scenic Features
The Tianhuashan Daoist Temple (道观, Dàoguàn) was established in the Ming dynasty, featuring ancient buildings on the cliffs. The cliffs boast unique landscapes, including the Hanging Stone Dragon and inscriptions stating “云洱无双地，匡州第一山” (“Yun’ er is a unique land; Kuang Prefecture’s first mountain”). The scenic area consists of numerous attractions like the Immortal Bed (仙床, Xiānchuáng), Hanging Stone Dragon, Stone House Skylight (石屋天窗, Shíwū Tiāncāng), and several ancient caves.
The Hanging Stone Dragon is the most notable feature, where two stalactites resemble dragons hanging from a cliff. Each year on the ninth day of the first lunar month, a ceremony called the “Hanging Dragon Ceremony” takes place, where climbers hang colorful cloth on the dragon’s head.
Culinary Specialties
Tianhuashan is known for its high-quality chestnuts (板栗, Bǎnlì), which can be eaten raw, roasted, or made into various dishes. The chestnuts from this region are large, white, and flavorful, with high nutritional and economic value.
The region also abounds in wild vegetables (山野菜, Shānyě cài) due to its rich rainfall and dense forests, which have numerous species that are edible and medicinal. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that these wild vegetables have high nutritional value, beneficial for preventing various diseases.
Cultural Significance
On the stone walls beneath the Xingjun Pavilion (星君阁, Xīngjūn Gé) on Tianhuashan, the inscription “云洱无双地，匡州第一山” reflects the historical sentiments of travelers. This expression of admiration is part of a poetic tradition that dates back to the Han dynasty.
Xiangyun has long been imbued with Daoist cultural significance. During the Han dynasty, Emperor Wu sent emissaries to explore the region, leading to the establishment of Yun County. In later periods, legends associated with Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Zhūgě Liàng) and his expeditions here have further enriched the area’s mystical allure.
In the Ming dynasty, the integration of Buddhist and Daoist practices shaped the region’s religious landscape, leading to the construction of several temples and pavilions, including the Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁, Yùhuáng Gé) and Queen Mother Pavilion (王母阁, Wángmǔ Gé). This melding of cultures created a spiritual atmosphere that attracted numerous visitors.
The breathtaking peaks and mysterious rock formations of Tianhuashan continue to inspire poetry and admiration. Notable lines from poems describing its beauty include:
“巨灵突兀显示奇踪，绝壁千寻倒挂龙；
莫谓石顽无雨降，须知洞古有云从。”
(“The mighty spirit reveals its wonders; the sheer cliff hangs the dragon high;
Do not say the stones are stubborn; know that clouds have always lingered here.”)
How to Get There
To reach Tianhuashan Mountain, you can drive from Dali City or Xiangyun County. The scenic area is about a 30-minute drive from Dali and approximately 25 kilometers from the Xiangyun County seat. Local taxis and rideshare services are also available for convenient transportation.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The spring and autumn months offer pleasant weather for hiking and sightseeing.
- Safety Precautions: Ensure to wear appropriate hiking shoes, as the terrain can be rugged.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the local chestnuts and wild vegetables, as they are a highlight of the region.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique rock formations.
- Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs and the spiritual significance of the area while visiting temples and sacred sites.
